Aniah Blanchard

Law Enforcement Officials in Dallas Co. Back Aniah’s Law

From the West Alabama Newsroom– Aniah’s Law is on the ballot in the upcoming election — as Amendment One. And law enforcement officials in Dallas County are urging voters — to vote yes for the amendment on Tuesday. The state legislature passed Aniah’s Law. The governor signed it. And now it’s on the ballot for a vote of the people….

“Aniah’s Law” Could Improve Bond Controversy in Selma

From the West Alabama newsroom– Bail bonds for repeat offenders — has been an ongoing controversy in Dallas County for years. It’s a problem a new bail reform law — could improve. Aniah’s Law is a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow judges to deny bonds for people suspected of committing violent felonies like murder, rape or kidnapping. “There are…

Legislature Approves Law Named After Aniah Blanchard

The Alabama Legislature awarded final approval on Thursday to “Aniah’s Law,” a constitutional amendment  sponsored by State Rep. Chip Brown (R – Mobile) that allows prosecutors and judges broader discretion in requesting and denying bail to those accused of committing violent crimes. The amendment will now go on the statewide ballot for ratification by voters in a referendum election. “Too…

Man Charged with Kidnapping, Murder of 19-Year-Old Aniah Blanchard Charged with Biting Correction Officer

The man charged with the kidnapping and murder of 19-year-old Aniah Blanchard, Ibraheem Yazeed. Yazeed is charged with kicking a Lee County correctional officer and biting another. The officer bitten was injured. According to a police affidavit, on March 23, Lee County Sheriff’s Department Corrections Officers Carl Key, Christopher Carroll and Steven Barner were attempting to get  Yazeed into his…

Suspect in Murder of Aniah Blanchard Has His Preliminary Hearing Delayed

Ibraheem Yazeed, the prime suspect in 19-year-old Aniah Blanchard’s kidnapping and murder, has had his preliminary hearing delayed. Yazeed is now due in court on June 3.  That’s because the coronavirus outbreak has delayed court cases. His hearing had originally been scheduled for March, then had been moved to April. He is being held in the Lee County Jail without…

House Approves Bail Reform Named for Aniah Blanchard

The Alabama House of Representatives has approved a bill named for a slain college student that would allow judges to deny bond to people accused of committing violent crimes. Representatives unanimously approved the proposed constitutional amendment, and accompanying enabling legislation. The bills now move to the Alabama Senate. The bill is named for Aniah Blanchard, a 19-year-old college student who…

Mother of Aniah Blanchard Pushing Change to State Bond Laws

A mother is advocating for change to prevent another violent crime. Aniah Blanchard’s mother Angela Harris joined state representatives Wednesday to introduce a proposed amendment that would deny bail to those considered a threat to society. “This is my fight; my fight for Aniah and fight for everybody that nothing like this happens to anybody else again,” Harris said.  “This…

Blanchard Case Inspires Bill to Keep Violent Suspects Behind Bars

After the disappearance and death of Aniah Blanchard, an Alabama senator wants to make sure a case like hers never happens again. Ibraheem Yazeed, the man accused of kidnapping and killing Blanchard in late 2019 was out on bond for several class A felonies at the time. Senator Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, wants to change the state bond system to keep…

Kidnapping Charges Dropped Against One Suspect in Aniah Blanchard Case

Lee County District Attorney Brandon Hughes said they have requested Antwon ‘Squirmy’ Fisher’s charge of Kidnapping First Degree be dismissed. DA Hughes told us following Fisher’s arrest, it was determined that his conduct did not rise to the level of accomplice liability originally charged and  is required under Alabama law. DA Hughes said no action taken by Fisher in connection…